Artisanal & Small-scale Gold Mining

The responsible development of gold resources both through large-scale mining (LSM) and ASGM, especially when coupled with sound governance, has the potential to deliver broad social and economic benefits to individuals, communities, and countries.

There has been a significant growth in artisanal and small-scale mining in many developing countries over the last twenty years. International institutions like the World Bank estimate that 15 to 20 million people derive their livelihoods primarily from ASGM and believe that up to 20% of newly-mined gold comes from ASGM sources. However, the great majority of ASGM takes place outside legal frameworks which causes an association with poor environmental, social and governance practices. ASM issues have become more salient in public policy debates as a result of the adoption of instruments designed to prevent the funding of illegal armed groups (such as the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance on the Responsible Sourcing of Minerals) and from the implementation of the Minamata Treaty on reducing mercury in the environment.

To ensure mineral resources are developed and mined in ways that best support sustained social and economic development for the nation and local community requires clear government guidance and regulatory frameworks.

Large-Scale Mining is very different from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

The impacts and social context for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) are very different from those for large-scale mining (LSM) operations.

LSM requires significant upfront capital investment well before production begins or any returns are realised, as well as further sustaining investment, often over long periods. LSM is typically governed by strict regulatory controls, impact assessments, permits and inspections that include rigorous operating requirements, and are subject to performance standards in areas such as health and safety and management of environmental and social impacts. LSM operators are expected to make a substantial contribution to national tax and royalties income – which, in turn, should help to fund key public services like health and education. ASGM, on the other hand, is labour intensive and typically uses relatively simple production methods. It provides livelihoods to millions of people but generally occurs outside formal legal structures. This therefore poses a variety of dangers, including health and safety hazards and significant issues relating to the use of mercury, including water pollution (mercury is not used in LSM). As a result of weak regulatory oversight, ASGM is sometimes associated with human and labour rights violations and the activities of organised criminal groups in some regions. Over 80% of ASGM activity is estimated to work in the informal economy and, as such, it rarely provides significant tax revenues for host governments.

ASGM often occurs in locations where there is no LSM presence. Where legitimate ASGM activities and LSM occur in the same vicinity, there can be mutual benefit in working collaboratively towards more positive and sustainable outcomes and in seeking to avoid conflict. Many deposits developed by LSM operators would not be suitable for ASGM exploitation since ASGM may not have the necessary geological or metallurgical skills; the requisite safety and environmental standards and process; and do not have the capital needed to finance a potentially multi-billion mining operation. Similarly, many deposits utilised by ASGM would not be suitable for LSM. In each case it is for the national government of each country to decide the optimal model between LSM and ASGM development.

Potential roles for large-scale gold mining companies

The leading role of governments in formalising ASGM and in improving social and environmental practices is of fundamental importance. However, business and civil society leaders will likely also play an important supporting role. Any such role for LSM companies will vary according to the local context. However, as part of their role in supporting dialogue and engagement, large scale gold mining companies may consider a number of options including,: advocating for formalisation and legitimising ASGM activities; supporting ASGM groups in forming co-operatives or companies; facilitating market access for responsible ASGM operators; providing support to wean ASGM off the use of mercury; and utilising the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in implementing security strategies and implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in their interactions with ASM and local communities, including through the provision of appropriate grievance mechanisms.

OECD Due-Diligence Guidance on Responsible Mineral Chains and its Application to ASM

The World Gold Council, working through a consultative, multi-stakeholder process, published the Conflict-Free Gold Standard in October 2012. This provides a framework for large scale gold mines in operationalising the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.

We support access to gold markets for ASGM operations which are not linked to the funding or facilitation of conflict or criminal groups or poor safety, labour, or environmental practices. We recognise the constructive efforts of those governmental and civil society entities that are working, in good faith, to improve ASGM conditions and practices and to facilitate access to licit markets We are committed to working in close co-operation with the LBMA, whose Responsible Gold Guidance (v.9) sets out due-diligence processes and requirements that refiners should implement for accepting gold from ASM sources.

We welcome and support initiatives designed to enable legitimate ASGM operations to discharge reasonable due diligence enquiries such as the CRAFT Code and, for larger or more sophisticated, operations, the FairTrade and Fair Mined certification schemes. We also support the World Bank’s DELVE initiative designed to improve understanding of the presence, structure, and dynamics of artisanal and small-scale mining.

Central bank domestic ASGM purchase programmes

Formalising the sector in a responsible way can increase prosperity and alleviate some of the socially and environmentally damaging issues that beset the sector. Using domestic ASGM gold purchase programmes, central banks of gold-producing nations wield market power that can be used to foster and enforce lasting change through implementation of international standards and best practices. The World Gold Council has examined four countries whose central banks actively purchase gold from domestic ASGM production – the Philippines, Mongolia, Ecuador, and Ethiopia – and found that these programmes have the potential to support formalisation, encourage responsible ASGM practices and confer economic benefits.

You can learn more about this in our report Central Bank Domestic Purchase Programme